Break and Hold

Superbly written. Beautifully captures the extraordinary pressures of junior tennis and the tragic consequences of parents who lose their way. A terrific contribution. This is a must read for every tennis parent. Jim Loehr, Ed.D. Chairman & CEO, Human Performance InstituteBREAK AND HOLD Inspired by a True Event Against a seething backdrop of tennis academies, star athletes and ubiquitous parents, three individuals emerge harboring a dark secret. Pulling no punches, Vivien Kalvaria faithfully delivers the raw truths of life in this microcosmic world where elite players travel in packs for months at a time competing in tournaments across the globe. Delving beneath the surface, the story covers the genesis and journey of a gifted player while exposing the complexities and emotional struggles that beset parents and coaches in the grooming of teen athletes and the seductive elements that drive a father to mastermind a diabolical scheme. The book moves at a crackling pace with lavish descriptions of knockdown-dragout matches as the story slipstreams from the relentless crafting of champions, to a tour of European tournaments and an astonishing revelation that impels a family toward a very public trial and shattering climax.